Love horses and want to learn more about them? 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology give youth the opportunity to take their horse knowledge beyond the saddle! Participants develop knowledge of horse care, management, and the horse industry while learning how to apply that knowledge in a competitive setting.
Divisions
- Junior: Grades 4–5
- Junior High: Grades 6–8
- Senior: Grades 9–12
Horse Bowl
Horse Bowl is a fast-paced quiz-bowl-style competition where youth put their equine knowledge to the test! Teams consist of three or four members who work together to answer questions related to horses, horse care, management, and the equine industry.
Members will practice answering questions quickly and accurately while developing teamwork, communication, confidence, and equine knowledge.
Hippology
Hippology challenges youth to demonstrate their horse knowledge in several different ways. The contest consists of three parts:
- A written exam
- An identification component
- A video horse judging component
Hippology teams consist of three or four members who compete individually, with the three highest individual scores combined to determine the team’s overall score. Youth may also compete individually; however, individual participants cannot qualify for the State Contest.
Competition & Advancement
Regional Horse Bowl and Hippology contests are held in January at a location designated by the Region Office.
The top four teams in each division at the Regional Contest qualify for the State Contest, which is held on the third Saturday in February at the Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion in Cookeville.
At the state level, the top two placing teams earn an automatic berth to the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. The top placing Senior High teams may also earn opportunities to advance to national-level contests.
No horse ownership or riding experience is required! Whether you’re an experienced horse person or simply interested in learning more, Horse Bowl and Hippology are great ways to build your knowledge, meet other youth who love horses, and represent Sevier County 4-H in competition.
For practice schedules, competition dates, registration information, and additional details, visit our Horse Club page.